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BORN
1954
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
628 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York
Debra Kaelin Obituary
BALLSTON LAKE - Debra A. Kaelin, 68, passed away on February 5, 2023, at Albany Medical Center due to complications following surgery.
Debra was a lifelong resident of the Capital District, born and raised in Schenectady before moving with her family to Ballston Lake. She had many passions in life and succeeded in so many ways. Confronting the so-called glass ceiling, she broke through and set an example for many young women in her life. This was exhibited by her success as a lawyer in private practice, then as assistant district attorney for Saratoga County for 29 years, then as town attorney for the Town of Ballston, for a total of more than 35 years in public service. But these professional accomplishments were dwarfed by her love, devotion, and leadership to her family. She married Jeffery Kirby in 1983 and they were blessed with two amazing daughters, Kaelin Kirby of Providence, R.I., and Alexandra Scammell (Bradley Scammell) of Nashville, Tenn.
Deb's kindness and love extended beyond her immediate family, through her support for other organizations such as Saratoga Center for the Family, Family Tree Adoption Agency, Dress for Success, Shelters of Saratoga, among others. Deb was truly the leader of her extended family, hosting countless holidays, graduations, celebrations, and even her best friend's wedding at her Ballston Lake home. Her physical and spiritual strength guided her extended family and community.
In addition to her husband, Jeff and daughters, she is survived by her brothers, John of Washington, D.C. and Thomas of New York City; and her sister, Janice Kaelin Kee of Delmar.
Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 10, in the Historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway. Burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, 113 N. Brandywine Ave., Schenectady.
In lieu of flowers, Deb's family requests that donations be sent to Saratoga Center for the Family, Dress for Success, or Shelters of Saratoga.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Debra Kaelin
Lauri Morrissey
February 9, 2025
Debra was a personal and fair attornery. I had done some real estate business with her years back. She was always a welcoming and confident attorney, I liked her personality. So sad she had to leave this world in the hospital.
Larry Robinson
September 4, 2024
I
Just heard of Deb´s passing. She was brilliant. For some reason I recollect her clearly speaking to me about trees. She certainly has had a great life. Good memories from the old neighborhood,
Debbie at a picnic 1976
Cindy Doklan
August 10, 2023
Busted! It's not their birthday cake.
Cindy Doklan
August 10, 2023
back row L to R Carolyn Curtis, Becky Dalton (Navoy) Debbie Kaelin (Kirby) Karen Smith (Skutnik) Cindy Doklan (Peirson) <br />seated Andrea Wittig (Heffan) Jane Podell (Brandmeier) Ellen Murphy
Cindy Doklan
August 10, 2023
top L to R: Becky Navoy, Debbie Kaelin, Karen Skutnik, Andrea Heffan, Cindy Peirson, Ellen Murphy, Gail Smith<br />bottom Carolyn Curtis, Janie Brandmeier.
Cindy Doklan
August 10, 2023
Cindy Doklan (nee Peirson(
August 2, 2023
Yet another here from Rider college. Did you mom ever tell you we called her chicken? We had such wonderful times, a time of self discovery and growth. Will post a few photos in a couple days...non digital era, so will take some scanning. Hope they make you smile a little. The memory of those days and of our chicken is a blessing for all of us.
Lori Beer
February 12, 2023
Kaelin and Alex,
Thinking of you and your father at this difficult time. Your mother was a beautiful person and loved you both very much! What a legacy she left behind, with all she did in her professional life but more importantly the legacy she left with the two of you! You are incredible young woman who are surely making a difference in this world everyday!
With sympathy,
Lori Beer
Lou and Sue Sallie
February 9, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Jeff your wife has touched many peoples lives. Not only is a great loss for you and your daughters but a loss to so many. We will continue to keep and keep you in our prayers. Lou and Sue Sallie
Mary Ann Marino
February 9, 2023
To Kaelin and Family,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. You spoke so highly of your family when we were together in January at Tim and Kendra's baby shower. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Maria Fitzgerald
February 9, 2023
At a very young age Deb became the matriarch of her family and did so lovingly, always with grace, poise and intelligence! Her smile and laughter were infectious! Her proud mother, my dear Aunt GG, left her eldest daughter way too early as Deb has left her family way too early. The legacy of strength, unconditional love, compassion and generosity will live on. Will always miss you dear cousin and smile at all the special memories we have shared. My heart is wrapped around you. Maria
Dave Smingler
February 8, 2023
Deb was a smart and talented attorney, as well as a caring and empathetic person. I am sorry for your loss.
Saratoga Center for the Family
February 8, 2023
Saratoga Center for the Family staff, Community Advisory Board, and Board of Directors extend our sincere condolences to Deb's family. Deb was a kind, caring, insightful person, a good friend, and a true professional. Her service to our organization, and her community, will always be remembered.
Jim & Judy DePasquale
February 8, 2023
John, our thoughts are with you upon the death of your sister, Debra.
Jim and Judy
Tracy Gilbert
February 7, 2023
Jeff and family, my father John Gilbert is a long time friend of Jeff and spoke very highly of Deb. Somehow I never realized she had been a supporter of Saratoga Center for the Family. I was on clinical staff there from 2015-2018 and I´m sure we crossed paths at Saratoga Center for the Family functions. I really appreciate all of the hard work she did for so many families at the District Attorney´s office. The ripple effect of her work legacy will live on for many years to come. I´m deeply sorry for your loss and am sending much support to you all.
Lee Anne & Grant Embry
February 7, 2023
John & Jane,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. My sympathies to your entire family.
BSPBA
February 7, 2023
The Members and Officers from the Ballston Spa Police Benevolent Association extends our condolences to Deb’s family. Deb was a great person to work with. Rest In Peace.
Joan & Tom Brooks
February 7, 2023
Sending Jeff, Kaelin, and Alexandra our deepest condolences. We are so very sorry for this heart, life, and light that has left you all too soon. May your her love carry you through your sorrow.
Lauri Morrissey
February 7, 2023
Oh was I suprised to see Deb's obit in the paper today. I have known her a very long time as a Realtor, she used to call upon me to help her with some estate matters for her clients. She was such a organized peron and very successful. God Bless her soul, so sorry for the family's loss.
Lauri Morrissey of Howard Hanna RES formerly Realty USA in Clifton Park.
Michael P Salisbury
February 7, 2023
rip debra. my condolences to the kaelin family
Rachel Iverson
February 7, 2023
Jan
I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your sister, Debra. She sounds like an amazing woman and my thoughts are with you and your family during this distressing time.
Rachel
Amy Standaert
February 6, 2023
My deepest condolences to all who loved Debra. She was a wonderful person and an inspiration to so many women. She will be missed.
Teresa Burke
February 6, 2023
Kaelin & Alex - my thoughts are with you and your Dad at this time. I am so happy to have known your Mom. May your memories of all the good times, especially the traveling you did together, carry you through the difficult days ahead. I’m not sure if I will be able to make the calling hours, but I will definitely make a contribution in your Mom’s loving memory.
Love you, Ms (Teresa) Burke
JIm Towne
February 6, 2023
I was so saddened to read of Debra's passing. I so enjoyed working with her, as she made it easy with her calm professionalism. My best to her family during their time of grieving. Please know that Debra was respected and admired for her professionalism. The legal profession lost a good one!
Dan Kopach
February 6, 2023
Deb was an amazing colleague, mentor and friend. Her warm personality was inviting and infectious and she will be sorely missed. Love to her family for this awful tragedy. She will guide us from afar.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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Feb
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William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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